Genesis 11:17

KJV

And Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Eber {H5677} lived {H2421} after {H310} he begat {H3205} Peleg {H6389} four {H702} hundred {H3967}{H8141} and thirty {H7970} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} sons {H1121} and daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Peleg was born, ‘Ever lived another 430 years and had sons and daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters.

American Standard Version

and Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Eber lived an additional 430 years after the birth of his son Peleg, during which time he continued to father other sons and daughters. This detail underscores the remarkable longevity of the early post-diluvian patriarchs and highlights God's faithful preservation and continuation of the human lineage, particularly the chosen line from which the Hebrew people would descend and through whom His redemptive plan would ultimately unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 11:17 is situated within the "Table of Nations" (Genesis 10) and the subsequent genealogical account from Shem to Terah (Genesis 11:10-26). Specifically, it is part of the concise, formulaic presentation of the patriarchal line from Shem to Abraham, serving as a bridge between the universal Flood narrative and the particular calling of Abraham. Each entry in this genealogy follows a consistent pattern: "X lived Y years and begat Z; and X lived after he begat Z, A years, and begat sons and daughters." This repetitive structure emphasizes the continuity of the lineage and the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply." The preceding verse, [Genesis 11:16](/genesis/11-16 "Eber's life before Peleg's birth"), introduces Eber and the birth of Peleg, making verse 17 a direct continuation of Eber's life story within this chronological framework.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The genealogies in Genesis 10-11 serve as a crucial historical framework for ancient Israel, connecting their origins to the earliest periods of human history. In the ancient Near East, genealogies were not merely lists of names but served significant socio-political and theological functions, establishing identity, inheritance rights, and divine favor. The extended lifespans recorded, while decreasing from pre-Flood ages, reflect a distinct biological reality in the early post-Flood world, possibly due to a more pristine environment or a slower accumulation of genetic mutations. Culturally, the emphasis on "begat sons and daughters" highlights the importance of progeny for family continuity, tribal strength, and the fulfillment of the divine mandate to fill the earth. Eber himself is a figure of immense historical significance, traditionally considered the ancestor from whom the "Hebrew" people (עִבְרִי, *'Ivri*) derive their name, thus linking this specific lineage directly to the future covenant people of God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. The primary theme is the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, illustrating God's meticulous care in maintaining a specific line through which His redemptive purposes would be accomplished, even amidst a world prone to sin and dispersion, as seen in the [Tower of Babel account](/genesis/11-1-9 "The Tower of Babel and the dispersion of humanity"). Another key theme is **Human Proliferation and Fulfillment of the Creation Mandate**, echoing God's command to Adam and Eve in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Creation Mandate") and reiterated to Noah in [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's command to Noah to be fruitful"). The consistent mention of "begat sons and daughters" throughout these genealogies underscores the ongoing multiplication of humanity. Finally, the **Decreasing Longevity** of patriarchs after the Flood (compared to pre-Flood ages) is subtly evident, reflecting a gradual change in human lifespans, yet still highlighting a period of remarkable longevity that allowed for significant population growth and the establishment of early societies before the call of Abraham.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 11:17 provides a concise yet significant detail within the broader patriarchal timeline, specifying the duration of Eber's life *after* Peleg's birth and emphasizing his continued role in the propagation of humanity. This detail, like others in the chapter, contributes to the overall picture of decreasing but still remarkably long lifespans in the post-Flood era.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, a primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." In this context, it refers to the literal continuation of Eber's physical existence for a specified period, emphasizing his longevity and the duration of his life after a significant event (Peleg's birth). This word consistently denotes life, vitality, and preservation throughout the biblical narrative.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget." This term is a foundational verb in the Genesis genealogies, signifying the act of procreation and the continuation of the family line. Its repetition underscores the theme of generational succession and the fulfillment of the divine command to be fruitful and multiply, ensuring the perpetuation of humanity.
* **sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." This term, along with "daughters," highlights the successful procreation of Eber, indicating that his lineage continued to expand beyond just his firstborn, Peleg. The mention of both male and female offspring signifies a complete and healthy family unit, contributing to the overall population growth.
* **daughters (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1323, meaning "a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)." The inclusion of daughters alongside sons is significant, as it indicates the full spectrum of procreation and the establishment of new family units through marriage, further contributing to the growth and spread of humanity after the Flood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years":** This clause provides precise chronological information about Eber's life. It states that after his son Peleg was born (at Eber's age of 34, according to [Genesis 11:16](/genesis/11-16 "Eber's age at Peleg's birth")), Eber continued to live for another 430 years. This detail, when combined with his age at Peleg's birth, allows for the calculation of Eber's total lifespan (464 years). Such specific chronological markers are characteristic of these genealogies, providing a historical framework for the unfolding of God's plan.
* **"and begat sons and daughters":** This concluding phrase, common in the Genesis genealogies, indicates that Eber's procreative activity did not cease after the birth of Peleg. During the 430 years following Peleg's birth, Eber continued to have more children, both male and female. This emphasizes the ongoing multiplication of humanity and the successful continuation of the family line, ensuring the fulfillment of God's command to be fruitful and replenish the earth. It also highlights the robust nature of life and fertility in the early post-Flood world.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Genesis 11:17, and indeed throughout the Genesis genealogies, is **Genealogical Formula**. The repetitive structure ("X lived Y years and begat Z; and X lived after he begat Z, A years, and begat sons and daughters") provides a consistent and predictable rhythm, emphasizing the continuity and historical reliability of the lineage. This formulaic **Repetition** serves to underscore the divine faithfulness in preserving the chosen line and the ongoing fulfillment of the command to "be fruitful and multiply." The inclusion of precise numbers, such as "four hundred and thirty years," demonstrates **Chronological Precision**, lending an air of historical accuracy and meticulous record-keeping to the narrative. This attention to detail highlights the theological significance of each generation as a link in the chain leading to the promised seed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 11:17, though seemingly a simple record of longevity and procreation, is deeply imbued with theological significance. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan by meticulously preserving the human lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. The extended lifespans, while decreasing from pre-Flood eras, still allowed for significant population growth and the establishment of early societies, demonstrating God's patience and provision for humanity's expansion. Each "begat sons and daughters" is not merely a biological fact but a theological affirmation of God's faithfulness in maintaining the human race and, more specifically, the divinely chosen line, ensuring the continuity of the covenant promises that would eventually culminate in Abraham and his descendants. This verse, therefore, serves as a quiet but firm declaration of God's sovereign hand guiding history towards His ultimate purposes.

* [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's Command to Noah to be Fruitful"): God's command to Noah and his sons to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" finds its ongoing fulfillment in the continuous procreation detailed in these genealogies, including Eber's.
* [Luke 3:35](/luke/3-35 "Eber in Jesus' Genealogy"): Eber is explicitly named in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Luke, directly linking this Old Testament patriarch to the New Testament Savior and demonstrating the historical continuity of the messianic line.
* [Hebrews 11:7](/hebrews/11-7 "Noah's Faith and Legacy"): While not directly mentioning Eber, this verse speaks to Noah's faith and the preservation of his family, providing the foundational context for the genealogies that follow, which trace the lineage of faith and promise through figures like Eber.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 11:17, nestled within the seemingly dry genealogies, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It assures us of the unbroken lineage from Noah to Abraham, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in preserving a chosen line. For us today, this verse reinforces the reliability of God's promises and His meticulous attention to historical detail. It reminds us that even in seemingly mundane records, there is a profound story of divine purpose and the unfolding of a plan that ultimately leads to the Savior, Jesus Christ. The long lives and continuous generations speak to God's enduring patience and His commitment to His creation, providing a foundation of trust in His ongoing work in our lives and in history. We are part of a grand narrative, meticulously overseen by a God who works through generations to accomplish His will. This should inspire both confidence in His plan and a sense of our own place within His unfolding story.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detailing of genealogies, like Eber's, demonstrate God's faithfulness and patience in fulfilling His promises?**
* **What significance does the continuation of human procreation ("begat sons and daughters") hold in light of God's original command to humanity?**
* **How does knowing that God meticulously preserves lineages for His purposes encourage us in times when His plans seem slow or hidden?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like this one, so detailed?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies serve multiple crucial purposes. They establish historical continuity, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises through specific individuals and families. They validate claims of lineage, particularly for the Messiah, proving His descent from Abraham and David, as seen in the opening of the Gospel of [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). They also highlight God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen line despite human failings, showing His active involvement in human history and His meticulous attention to the details of His redemptive plan.

**Does Eber's name truly connect to the term "Hebrew"?**

Answer: Yes, the consensus among scholars is that the Hebrew word for "Hebrew" (*'Ivri*) is derived from Eber (*'Eber*). This connection identifies Abraham and his descendants, the Israelites, as those who belong to the lineage of Eber, or perhaps more broadly, those who "crossed over" (referring to Abraham's journey from Ur to Canaan, as in [Genesis 12:1-5](/genesis/12-1-5 "God's call to Abraham to leave Haran")) or are from "the other side" of the Euphrates River. This etymological link firmly establishes Eber as a foundational ancestor of the people of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record of Eber's life and progeny in [Genesis 11:17](/genesis/11-17 "Eber's Contribution to the Messianic Line") is a vital thread in the tapestry of redemptive history, pointing directly to Christ. Each "begat" in this genealogy, including Eber's continued procreation, signifies God's unwavering commitment to preserving the promised seed through whom salvation would come. The lineage traced from Shem through Eber ultimately culminates in Abraham, from whom the nation of Israel descends, and through whom the Messiah, Jesus Christ, is born. The Gospel of [Luke 3:35](/luke/3-35 "Eber in Jesus' Genealogy") explicitly includes Eber in Jesus' genealogy, demonstrating the unbroken historical chain that leads to the Incarnation. Thus, this verse, while seemingly a simple historical record, is a profound testament to God's faithfulness in meticulously orchestrating human history to bring about the ultimate fulfillment of all His promises in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the "seed" promised in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium") and the "blessing" to all nations through Abraham's line, as prophesied in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's promise to Abraham").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.